Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, this booming Turkish city is located on a gulf fed by several streams. Evidence of the city’s rich culture includes the ancient fortress Kadifekale, the fountain-fitted Saat Kulesi clock tower, the ruins of the ancient downtown Agora… and, of course, the eclectic Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar. Izmir is also the gateway to Ephesus, the ancient Greek city built in the 10th century B.C. — home of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Experience ancient Ephesus, considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Visit the House where the Blessed Virgin is said to have spent her last years.

See the terrace houses, which remained buried from the 7th century until the 1980s.